The Benefits of Sleep
Last Saturday, I had an extremely busy day. It started from the minute I got up at 6:00 am. I spent 45 minutes riding my bicycle. The rest of the morning, I thoroughly cleaned my entire house. After lunch, I spent the afternoon sorting and cleaning my garage with my husband. In the evening, I walked my dog, PJ. Needless to say, that night I was exhausted by the time my head hit the pillow.
What was amazing to me is that I slept a solid 8 hours. The next morning I woke up and felt ready to do it all over again. I could not overlook the fact that I benefited from a good night’s sleep.
I did some research to find out exactly what are the paybacks from getting enough sleep:
1) Sleep actually strengthens your memory allowing your brain cells to recharge.
2) People who sleep more than 6.5 hours a night live longer.
3) Sleep helps with inflammation, which is linked, to heart disease, stroke diabetes, and premature aging.
4) A good night’s sleep spurs creativity. Your brain is stronger and more organized after a good night’s sleep.
5) Dieters who were rested lost more fat-56% than those who were sleep deprived.
6) Sleep helps avoid accidents. Sleeplessness affects reaction time and decision-making. Insufficient sleep for just one night can be just as detrimental to you as having an alcoholic drink. This is especially true driving a car or operating machinery.
So, where will you find me next Saturday morning? I am not going to hesitate to push my snooze button on the alarm. I want to feel better and reap the benefits each and every day of what a good night’s sleep can do for my heart, mind, and weight.
“Lullaby and good night,
With roses, bedight,
With lilies o’er spread
is baby’s wee bed.
Lay thee down now and rest,
May thy slumber be blessed.”
Brahms’ Lullaby